Farmers in East Gippsland have accused their local council of a lack of transparency, over its plans to reintroduce a stock movement permit system.
East Gippsland Community Action Group vice president Janiece Grenfell said the East Gippsland Shire Council had done minimal advertising, asking for public input on the proposed changes.
She said the group was also concerned about the lack of information, on permit requirements, on the shire’s website or at its offices.
“It's really important that people making submissions know what is intended,” Ms Grenfell said.
“How else can the public – and the councillors – make considered judgements? Without allowing full information, it's treating submissions with contempt.”
Farmers have previously raised concerns about the lack of demonstrated need for the new permit system.
Under current VicRoad management, providing persons moving stock put out required signage, the onus was on drivers, not the shire or farmers. The group said the permit system would be costly to administer, not just for farmers but also the shire.
Ms Grenfell said the group was now in discussion with the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) requesting it approach the Local Government Minister Marlene Kairouz, asking her to halt the current process until full details were provided.
VFF livestock group manager David Picker said it was hoped the matter could be resolved locally.
“It’s something we do take seriously,” Mr Picker said.
“I couldn’t see why we wouldn’t approach the minister, if there is not a local outcome.
“If it’s just a revenue raising ploy, it’s not acceptable.”
A council spokeswoman said it would not be making comment on the proposal.